The Government of Umm Al Quwain and UAE real estate developer Sobha Group are to build an AED25 billion ($6.8 billion) resort development on an island off Umm Al Quwain, the parties announced this week.

It is to occupy a total area of 53 million sq ft – the whole of Al Seniyah island and the Khor Al Beidah area of Umm Al Quwain, cited as one of the largest undisturbed mangrove wetlands in the UAE.

The developers said the scheme would focus on taking advantage of the coastal environment by building waterfront homes, ecological zones, canals and lagoons and a marina with world-class berthing facilities.

It is intended to kickstart the emergence of Umm Al Quwain as a commercial and tourist attraction, the developers added.

“Firdous Sobha is a flagship project, which has been launched in line with the vision of transforming Umm Al Quwain into an active tourism and commercial destination.”

And PNC Menon, founder and chairman of Sobha Group, said: “In line with our aim to fully leverage the opportunities present in this highly dynamic market, we have partnered with the Government of Umm Al Quwain, and are jointly going to transform the island into a world-class destination and hotspot for iconic properties.”